Though I don't bother with modern systems, I do bother with my PC. Since I think the PC games are now maybe about twice as good as any system released, I always do the PC thing when it comes to modern games. There is no shortage of games, in fact, I'm short on time.
When I buy PC games, the only time I actually will spend a current retail price is if I'm desperate for the game. I like to hit the discount bin. Just to give you an idea. I just picked up Icewind Dale and the expansion for it for $15.00 in Electronic Boutique. These are used games being resold, but when I see these games as a new release going for like $50.00, I think that I can just wait for them to come down. I picked up all 3 Blair Witch games for $5.00 each. Sometimes I'll even find a decent game in a dollar store, or other discount store like National Wholesale Liquidators. I picked up Planet of the Apes brand new discounted for $5.00, then saw it in EBX today for $37.00.
So, my question that the topic states. How do you buy your games? Do you do what I do? Are you that addicted gamer that needs it upon the day of release? Just something to be discussed.
Phil
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How do you buy games?
Started by Philflound, May 20 2002 7:23 PM
9 replies to this topic
#1 OFFLINE
Philflound
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Posted Mon May 20, 2002 7:23 PM
#2 OFFLINE
StanJr
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Posted Mon May 20, 2002 7:36 PM
I usually use the barter system.
I try not to buy games on impulse or day of release. I don't like spending that much money on games I don't have time to play. BUT if it is a game I am hyped about (say the EP2 Expansion to Star Wars Battlegrounds) I will buy it as soon as I can. (Which means when I pick that bad boy up you won't hear from me for a while).
It is rare that I shell out $50 for anything so my video game purchases are usually...restrained.
I try not to buy games on impulse or day of release. I don't like spending that much money on games I don't have time to play. BUT if it is a game I am hyped about (say the EP2 Expansion to Star Wars Battlegrounds) I will buy it as soon as I can. (Which means when I pick that bad boy up you won't hear from me for a while).
It is rare that I shell out $50 for anything so my video game purchases are usually...restrained.
#3 OFFLINE
DuckandCover
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Posted Mon May 20, 2002 7:42 PM
When it comes to modern games, I'm pretty much strictly a PC gamer as well. I don't own a single modern console. My buying habits on modern games vary, depending on the title. I've never really been one of those folks that has to purchase a game on the day of its release. First, I usually like to wait to read a few reviews and gamer opinions before I'm willing to invest. Second, laying out fifty dollars for a title is difficult for me to justify to myself. Maybe it's the bargain hunter in me.
Usually, I'll lurk around until I find a decent deal on a title. For instance, in January, Amazon ran a special on Empire Earth for $19.99, while every store here had the game priced at $49.99. A couple of months ago, I purchased a pre-owned copy of Red Faction from Electronics Boutique for $19.99 (they were still going for forty bucks then). I splurged a little this past week when I bought Jedi Outcast, a game I've been wanting since its release. Most places, it's still fifty, but I found it at Circuit City for $34.95.
So I guess I usually watch for sales and check out the pre-owned titles. Clearance and bargain software racks are good too. A few weeks ago, I found a copy of X-Wing for ten dollars at Hastings. (I've just recently discovered the X Wing/Tie Fighter games, and I love 'em!)
Usually, I'll lurk around until I find a decent deal on a title. For instance, in January, Amazon ran a special on Empire Earth for $19.99, while every store here had the game priced at $49.99. A couple of months ago, I purchased a pre-owned copy of Red Faction from Electronics Boutique for $19.99 (they were still going for forty bucks then). I splurged a little this past week when I bought Jedi Outcast, a game I've been wanting since its release. Most places, it's still fifty, but I found it at Circuit City for $34.95.
So I guess I usually watch for sales and check out the pre-owned titles. Clearance and bargain software racks are good too. A few weeks ago, I found a copy of X-Wing for ten dollars at Hastings. (I've just recently discovered the X Wing/Tie Fighter games, and I love 'em!)
#4 OFFLINE
goatdan
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Posted Mon May 20, 2002 11:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Philflound:
So, my question that the topic states. How do you buy your games? Do you do what I do? Are you that addicted gamer that needs it upon the day of release? Just something to be discussed.
I will only pay full value for a game under two circumstances:
1. I assume that the game is going to be extremely hard to get a hold of after it's release and it will actually go up in value. I bought NHL 2K2 for the Dreamcast because I really wanted in and worried that I wouldn't ever see it again. Since then, I've seen it everywhere though...
2. The game really interests me. Only two games have done this for me in recent history -- Roller Coaster Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon. I love sim-style games, and I LOVE amusement parks so RCT was like a match made in heaven. It lived up to my expectations, and I'm eagerly awaiting RCT2 this fall.
Zoo Tycoon on the other hand looked great, but really isn't a fun game. I was really disappointed by it.
Other than those two rare circumstances, I always hit the bargin bins. I've gotta save money for a wedding soon, and I really don't have the money to spend $40 to $60 a pop on a video game (although I wish I did )
#5 OFFLINE
moycon
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Posted Tue May 21, 2002 3:59 AM
Used from BlockBuster.
30 day guarantee.
Half the price or more of retail.
30 day guarantee.
Half the price or more of retail.
#6 OFFLINE
Varan
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Posted Tue May 21, 2002 8:41 PM
If I am anticipating a game, I buy it on or close to the day it comes out. Metal Gear Solid 2, for example.
Games that I find out are cool or look cool on the shelf I usually grab for about 1/2 the price they are when released.
Games that I find out are cool or look cool on the shelf I usually grab for about 1/2 the price they are when released.
#7 OFFLINE
AtariDude
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Posted Wed May 22, 2002 7:57 PM
I tend to do that too. I go to different computer shows and get a lot of older computer games for under $15 (sometimes under $5!). I figure if the game was fun then it will still be fun now even though it might not be as impressive as some of the current games.
#8 OFFLINE
Markimus of K.
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Moonsweeper
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Posted Wed May 22, 2002 11:20 PM
quote:
Originally posted by GOAT Dan:
I will only pay full value for a game under two circumstances:
1. I assume that the game is going to be extremely hard to get a hold of after it's release and it will actually go up in value. I bought NHL 2K2 for the Dreamcast because I really wanted in and worried that I wouldn't ever see it again. Since then, I've seen it everywhere though...
2. The game really interests me. Only two games have done this for me in recent history -- Roller Coaster Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon. I love sim-style games, and I LOVE amusement parks so RCT was like a match made in heaven. It lived up to my expectations, and I'm eagerly awaiting RCT2 this fall.
Zoo Tycoon on the other hand looked great, but really isn't a fun game. I was really disappointed by it.
Other than those two rare circumstances, I always hit the bargin bins. I've gotta save money for a wedding soon, and I really don't have the money to spend $40 to $60 a pop on a video game (although I wish I did )
Dan-Thou-Seemest-to-be-a-Goat:
Hey Dan,
I've got Coasterworks for the DCast that has been played (or turned on only once) as I'm not really into 'sims' or 'coasters'.
If you'd like to swap NHL 2k2 for Coasterworks I'd be keen, email me mkush@idirect.com.
or anyone else keen on a coaster sim? It's probably good, I'm just not into it.
As always,
Markimus of K.
#9 OFFLINE
kyle
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Posted Wed May 22, 2002 11:37 PM
My local used video game store sales games for the dreamcast and the PSone with no instructoin books for $4 to $10 bucks thats the way i get about all my modern games.
#10 OFFLINE
Albert
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Posted Fri May 24, 2002 1:06 AM
Being in the game industry, it seems that there is a certain amount of "peer pressure" to go get the latest and greatest games the day they come out. This often involves group trips to the local Electronics Boutique, where they know us quite well. I despise paying $50 for games also, so I usually try to get them on sale, but I've probably bought a large percentage of my games (for PC and modern consoles) at "full price".
What's worse is buying games right when they come out and not playing them until weeks or even months have passed. Usually by then it's easier to find the game discounted, and here I have the copy I paid $50, still in the shrinkwrap.
..Al
What's worse is buying games right when they come out and not playing them until weeks or even months have passed. Usually by then it's easier to find the game discounted, and here I have the copy I paid $50, still in the shrinkwrap.
..Al
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